C5 Mk II Estate Rear Screen Exploded

[Estately]

Just wondered if anyone has experience of the rear screen shattering on a C5 Mk2 2007 Estate.

The car has done 180k miles, the glass no longer opens off the switch, the struts however are good so operation of the hatch is very civilised, it does not drop shut and no need to slam it down.

Tonight 27th December 2015 outside temp about 12C, returning home and had been driving for 5 minutes at 30 MPH when the glass in the rear screen shattered into many parts with a resounding thump.

We are not aware of shutting the hatch down onto luggage or anything in the car hitting the glass whilst being driven, everything was under the luggage cover.

I hasten to add, it was being driven in a forward direction.

Not sure if the insurers cover the rear screen and would like to know if the combined knowledge of the forum could point to any checks to carry out prior to fitting a new one in case it goes bang again.

If anyone could let me know if it is necessary to identify the tint in the glass to obtain the correct replacement I would be most grateful.

T I A

Andy.

[wurlycorner]

Did you have the heated rear screen on?

[chinkostu]

It'll be the heating strips. My saxo one went with a horrific bang too. Bit of a bugger really, insurance might cover it on windscreen cover

[Stickyfinger]

Scrap yard, wire "Cutter", clean up and go to a fitter to install..............makes you jump egh ?

[Estately]

Thanks for the prompt advice, the heated screen was on. Thinking about it, some of the heating lines were broken so the rest must have been getting hotter causing stress in the glass. Though it is a first.

Good to know it wasn't shot at, we hadn't got the outskirts of Tamworth down as 'Deliverance' country.

Thanks again.

Andy.

[chinkostu]

Mine happened going under a bridge on the a483. Thought some welshies had thrown something at first but nobody for miles!

[mooseshaver]

My insurance company replaced mine. It hadn't shattered. I can't remember what was wrong with it